The possible introduction of a Rapid Bus Transit System to help relieve chronic transport congestion on the Northern Beaches has moved a step closer with the NSW Government proceeding with a Pre-Feasibility Study.
Details of the study were released in a Ministerial reply to a question on notice from the Member for Davidson, Jonathan O'Dea.
The study will assess the performance of existing bus corridors, analyse corridor constraints, and identify opportunities to improve travel speed and reliability.
Mr O'Dea said, "It will also look at infrastructure options and include an assessment of a link between Dee Why and Chatswood. This would need to utilise Warringah Road.
"The study is expected to include options to separate or integrate the new system with vehicle traffic, potential route alignments and bus stops, a patronage assessment and economic appraisal as well as public transport integration.
"I welcome the NSW Government's commitment to proceed with the study," Mr O'Dea said.
"It is good news for the many residents on the Northern Beaches who have been seeking improved traffic flows and more efficient transport options.
"The study is also welcome news for the Shore Regional Organisation of Councils (SHOROC) which called for the funding of rapid buses in their recent "Shaping Our Future" Strategy.
"I am pleased the findings of the Pre-Feasibility Study will be documented in a draft report which is expected to be presented later this year," Mr O'Dea concluded.
Question and Answer:
0018—RAPID BUS TRANSIT SYSTEM
Mr Jonathan O'Dea to the Minister for Transport representing the Minister for Roads and Ports—
What plans are there to undertake a feasibility study for a Rapid Bus Transit system for the strategic bus corridor between Chatswood and Dee Why?
Answer—
I am advised:
The NSW Government committed to undertaking a feasibility study into Bus Rapid Transit. Work has now commenced on the Bus Rapid Transit Pre-Feasibility Study. This work will assess the performance of existing bus corridors, analyse corridor constraints, and identify opportunities to improve travel speed and reliability, including infrastructure options. At this early stage in the study, routes are yet to be defined. However, investigation will include an assessment of links via Military Road and via Chatswood. The findings of the investigation will be documented in a draft report which is expected to be presented later in the year.
A range of issues will be examined as part of the Pre-Feasibility Study including, but not limited to:
o The strategic role of the Bus Rapid Transit System.
o Potential route alignments.
o Options to separate or integrate the Bus Rapid Transit System with vehicle traffic.
o Economic appraisal.
o Bus stop assessment.
o Patronage assessment.
o Service viability.
o Constructability.
o Public transport integration.
o Needs assessment on key centres and travel patterns.
The Bus Rapid Transit Pre-Feasibility Study is being managed by the Department of Transport and will include consultation with agencies and stakeholders.
Answer received on 8 June 2011 and to be printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 17.
